Bonhams

How to sell

A simple step by step guide on how to sell your goods at auction with Bonhams

Consignment

Selecting the most suitable auction and date to sell your propertyOur specialists are very experienced at placing items in the right auctions and they will advise you on the most appropriate auction for your item. This might be at one of our international salerooms rather than your nearest one if demand is likely to be greater there and competition between buyers could be higher.

Transporting your propertyYou can transport the item yourself at your own expense - or we can arrange this for you at a small cost.

If you are consigning goods from overseas, shipping charges, taxes and import duties may apply. Some countries apply import and export regulations for some types of goods. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with these. You should take particular note of export licencing and CITES (endangered species) export / import regulations. Please contact Bonhams in advance if you have any doubts on what to do.

Agreeing sales terms and reserveWhen we have agreed on the sale terms, we will give you a Receipt and Contract Form listing the details about the price at which you will be prepared to sell your item or items.

Contract and receipt for consignmentWhen you have consigned your goods for sale our specialist will discuss your sale requirements with you and record these on the Receipt and Contract Form.

This document is important because it is your instruction to us to sell. It is your contract with Bonhams, specifying the sale terms, and your receipt for the property you have consigned. The form carries your personal reference number for that particular consignment, in the top right-hand corner, which should be quoted in all communication concerning your sale items. At the same time we will also give you a folder containing our Conditions of Business.